In a tragic turn of events, the Lagos State Government has ordered the closure of Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo following the untimely death of a two-year-old pupil, Rapheala Ogbodo. The incident, which occurred on January 15, 2025, has sparked outrage and grief, with conflicting reports surrounding the cause of the young girl’s death.
Rapheala’s mother took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to challenge the school’s account of events, claiming her daughter was electrocuted rather than drowned in the school’s swimming pool as initially reported.
Grieving Mother Questions School’s Version
In an emotional post, Rapheala’s mother shared a photo of the school’s swimming pool, which appeared to be fenced off with barricades. She questioned how her two-year-old could have bypassed the barriers to access the pool. “How could my daughter beat this barricade and end up in the pool? Something doesn’t add up,” she wrote. The post has since gone viral, garnering widespread attention and calls for accountability.
Government Responds with Investigations and Closure
The Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance have swiftly intervened, with officials visiting the school to conduct a preliminary investigation. Speaking on behalf of the government, the Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, expressed condolences to the grieving family while emphasizing the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” Mojola stated. “Every school owner and caregiver must adhere strictly to safety regulations. This unfortunate incident highlights the need for vigilance and strict compliance.”
Mojola further assured the public that more details would be released once investigations are concluded. The authorities are examining potential safety lapses, including the condition of the swimming pool area and the possibility of electrical hazards.
A Community in Mourning
The death of little Rapheala has sent shockwaves through the Heritage Place Estate community in Sangotedo. Parents and residents have expressed deep concern over the safety measures implemented by local schools, questioning whether current standards are adequate to protect children from harm.
“We entrust our children to schools, expecting them to be safe,” a parent who spoke under anonymity said. “This incident is a wake-up call for all of us. We need to know what went wrong. If the school is found to have been negligent, they must face the full weight of the law. This is heartbreaking.”
Unanswered Questions
As the investigation progresses, several critical questions remain unanswered:
- Was the barricade around the swimming pool secure and properly maintained?
- Could there have been electrical faults near the pool area, as alleged by the grieving mother?
- Were there adequate safety protocols and supervision in place when the incident occurred?
Safety experts have pointed out that accidents in schools are often preventable with the right measures in place. “Proper training, regular safety drills, and routine maintenance of facilities are essential to avoid tragedies like this,” said an education consultant familiar with school safety protocols.
The Broader Issue of School Safety
This incident is not an isolated case but part of a larger concern over safety standards in Nigerian schools. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of accidents and fatalities involving students, prompting calls for stricter regulatory oversight.
The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been pushing for reforms to improve safety in educational institutions. However, critics argue that enforcement remains a significant challenge.
“Regulations are only as effective as their enforcement,” said Ishola Aluko, an analyst. “The government must ensure that all schools, public and private, are held accountable for maintaining safe environments.”
As Lagosians await the outcome of the investigation, the state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for the Ogbodo family and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies.
“This is a painful reminder of the importance of safety in schools,” said Mojola. “We will not relent in our efforts to create safe spaces for our children.”
